Knerq

Michelle Obama and Bo surprise the White House Tours

2012-02-16T12:05:00.000-05:00

She's so warm and likable. I'm such a sap - I started crying as I watched her shake hands with visitors, ask them where they were from and why they were here, encouraged them to pet Bo (a Portuguese Water Dog) and repeatedly told students to be enriched and learn something. The lucky few even got a hug!

Greeting Canadians from Toronto!

Ristorante Pizza by Dr. Oetker*

2012-02-13T21:48:00.001-05:00

For the nights that I'm tired, it's nice to have something on hand that can be prepared quickly and tastes good. Often for me, that means frozen pizza. Recently I noticed a new brand, Dr. Oetker. I bought two to try them out:

Funghi: Aromatic mushrooms, mozzarella, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano
Vegetale: Tangy tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, chilies, sour cream sauce

They are 10" and can be ready in 12-14 minutes. They were good and I would get them again.

Then I was contacted by BzzAgent for a BzzCampaign on the very pizza I had already tried! How fortuitous! Turns out it's the number #1 frozen pizza in Italy. Who knew? Ristorante Pizza has been a European favorite since 1985. It arrived stateside in 2009.

I have some coupons to share. Let me know in the comments if you want one.

*I'm a BzzAgent

Fix My Blinds

2012-02-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

Before

Sent pictures of the broken parts to Fix My Blinds, Inc. (since the broken parts didn't look like any of the parts on the site).

They emailed me back telling me which parts to order. Parts arrived in the mail about a week later.

Installation was very easy. We were done in about 10 minutes. And now our blinds are fixed.

Cost of new blinds for 3 windows = $150
Cost of repair parts & shipping = $22.95

Total savings: $127.05

Moroccan-spiced cauliflower

2012-01-20T20:41:00.000-05:00

In a search to find a way to make cauliflower appetizing to my husband - without using Indian curry spices (which I don't like), I found this recipe for Quick Moroccan Vegetable Couscous. But we already have a Moroccan spice mix that we like - so we used that instead.

Moroccan Spice Mix
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 Tablespoon ground tumeric
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

One head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
2 Tablespoons of olive oil
1 Tablespoon of spices
1/4 cup broth

Heat oil in a large skillet. Increase heat to medium-high. Add vegetables and sauté until vegetables just begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add broth. Partially cover skillet; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add spices and simmer for a few minutes until done.

Swiss Chalet - shame on you for bad customer service

2012-01-12T10:10:00.001-05:00

I love Swiss Chalet but I'm shocked and appalled at the terrible customer service that my father received on a corporate order of almost $200.

The order was delivered without any utensils and there was none at the delivery location. Suddenly a casual lunch for VPs from HQ turned into a fiasco - and quite embarrassing. The only recompense he was offered was $5 off his next order. My Mom tried to complain but was just given the run around to fill out a one form after another.

After this experience, my father won't be ordering for a business function ever again.

Check out the whole conversation on Facebook!

What I did during my Christmas vacation

2012-01-02T13:11:00.005-05:00

There was time with family...

Baking and decorating cookies.

A visit to Toronto's Distillery District...

On Christmas we had dinner at my parents house. On Boxing day we had breakfast and a late lunch with everyone at my sister's house. Chloe received lots of toys - which we all had fun playing with! :) Max, my parents and my brother went to see a comedy show at Second City - SO funny! Max and I went to the movies with two of my cousins to see New Year's Eve. It was good! Better than Valentine's Day. Watched many movies at home with my family including Rio (really good), Arthur Christmas (loved it), Dot it with an I (which was weird), Ides of March (good but sad) and the Muppets movie (awesome).

My Dad sums it up (much better) in detail:

Christmas Day
Boxing Day with the whole family
Third day of Christmas
Fourth day of Christmas in Toronto
Fifth day of Christmas in Niagara's wine country
Sixth day of Christmas

Max and I were at my sister's house on New Year's Eve. Yesterday, my family had dinner together at a Chinese restaurant before we went our separate ways... my brother back up to the frozen north... Max and I going south to Virginia.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T09:28:00.087-05:00

Highlights of 2011:

Helped my Dad start his blog, open a shop on Etsy, and create a Facebook Page for Bayshore Woods
Weekend trip in March to Costa Rica with Max and some friends
Short trip to Salt Lake City for work which included getting together with a friend from high school
Week long trip in May to Kansas for my high school best friend's wedding which also included the filming of a Food Network show
A whirlwind weekend in New York for my birthday including two fancy dinners and a Broadway show
A short but hectic trip in June to Las Vegas for work
Week long trip in July to Canada to meet my niece and spend time with my family
Week long vacation in October with my husband in the Caribbean on the Disney Magic
Two new additions to our family in October - our new kitten Momo and a lizard that we named Mr. Gecko
A Cirque du Soleil show for Max's birthday
A week long visit with my sister and my niece for Thanksgiving which included going to see Santa, ICE! at National Harbor, and a photo shoot
Another whirlwind weekend in New York in December to see the Rockettes and a one man Star Wars show on Broadway
Discovered an egg in our lizard's cage, so the name has been changed to Ms. Gecko
Two week vacation in December to spend time with my family in Canada for Christmas and New Years
Completed some knitting projects that had been languishing for some time
Saying goodbye to friends (because they moved) and meeting new ones (at the West End Farmers Market)
Reading some really great books like Water for Elephants and Peony in Love
Watching some really great movies like Midnight in Paris and The Help

What's in store for 2012:

No resolutions but I want to check something off my bucket list
Momo gets "fixed" this week
Weekend trip in February to visit my niece in Canada
Most likely a weekend trip to New York in March or April
Maybe a visit from my sister and niece in May
A possible trip to Atlanta in June
Probably a week long trip to Canada to see my family in July or August
A weekend trip to Philadelphia in October for a friend's wedding
A visit with my parents over Thanksgiving that will apparently include renovating the half bath in the front hall
Hopefully a trip to Hawaii... not sure when but I really, really, really want this to happen before the year is out!

Tracking Santa on NORAD

2011-12-24T18:28:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving recap

2011-12-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

My sister and my niece arrived on Monday night before Thanksgiving and stayed until the Tuesday after. We had a really great visit!

My husband worked from home so we both went to pick them up at the airport. We took my niece to see Santa on Tuesday night and had dinner at CPK.

On Wednesday, I brought her into my office to show her off to my work friends and then cooked the rest of the day.

Thursday morning, my sister and my husband went to yoga (my sister's first time). I watched my niece and taped the parade for later.

For dinner we had turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry orange relish, mashed potatoes (and a undressed portion for my niece) and braised red cabbage. For dessert there was pumpkin pie and caramel nut tart. Naturally there were lots of leftovers and on Friday we went to a friend's house for our somewhat annual "Leftovers Lunch." Afterwards, we dropped my sister off at my massage therapist's to get a 90 minute massage - also her first time!

On Saturday morning, my husband and I started putting up the Christmas lights. In the afternoon, we took my niece to Picture People to have some professional pictures taken - they turned out really well. She looks so cute! That night, Max, Noelle and I dragged the Christmas tree upstairs.

Sunday we went to see ICE, with ice sculptures depicting the story from Merry Madagascar. It was really cold in there, -9, but my niece did really good - a true Canadian baby. :)

For lunch we went to Rosa Mexicano and my niece had her first green - avocado! And she liked it. My Dad was so happy. :)

That night we decorated the Christmas tree. My husband left for New York Monday morning and I went to work. My sister made dinner for us and we went for a walk afterwards to see the Christmas lights in my neighborhood. I took Tuesday off since it was our last day together. We had lunch at the Olive Garden and then I took them to the airport. Was sad but doing okay... until we got to the TSA and I saw my sister crying - which got me crying! My niece had no idea what was going on. Which is probably for the best.

Santa and Chloe

2011-11-25T09:57:00.004-05:00

My sister and my niece are here and we've been having a GREAT time! We went to Pentagon City Mall to see Santa. Chloe did so good. Here she is giving a fist bump to Christmas:

Baking pumpkin and bread

2011-11-23T23:06:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T09:31:00.012-05:00

On Sunday, I picked up my Thanksgiving centerpiece at the West End Farmers Market. Can you tell what it is?

It's a cornucopia!

Many thanks to Pam of Fun Balloon Twisting! She creates magic with latex balloons, an air pump, a pair of scissors, a marker - and her hands!

Max's birthday and Marianna's Macarons

2011-11-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

Since my birthday was so great this year with two fabulous dinners, a new dress, and a Broadway show in New York, I wanted to do something special for Max.

On Friday we had dinner at Legal Seafoods and then went to see Cirque du Soleil's QUIDAM. On Saturday, he had a 90 minute massage at Vital and then a get together with friends at Aguaviva. As an added surprise, I ordered a Macaron Tower from Marianna's Macarons. He loved it! There were five flavors: mojito, mint chocolate, lemon, caramel apple, and lavender. Plus a "birthday cake" flavor on top. With 15 people and 120 macarons, there were plenty to go around! We even gave some of the mojito macarons to the bartenders to try.

About.me

2011-11-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

I first learned about About.me from a BzzCampaign as part of being a BzzAgent.

It's a great way to create a page that connects to your Facebook page, Flickr account, Twitter page (and more!) all at once! Every about.me page is customizable and personal. Here's mine:

One of my Facebook created one for her job search. I've been using it as part of my email signature... easiest way to tell people who I am and what I'm about (and as you probably already know, that's social media!). If you check it out, let me know what you think!

November 15 is America Recycles Day

2011-11-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

What happens when you post on your company Facebook page too much

2011-11-11T13:14:00.000-05:00

Making plans

2011-11-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

It will be Thanksgiving in two weeks - my sister and my niece will be here sooner than that and I can't wait! Aside from the big meal, I have all kinds of things planned... a picture sitting for Chloe to have her Christmas photo taken, ICE at National Harbor, a little time at the spa for me and Noelle, putting the Christmas tree up and having lunch with some friends. Should be really fun.

Ladybug for Halloween

2011-11-05T21:05:00.001-05:00

How cute is my niece?

Woodworking by Bayshore Woods

2011-11-03T17:13:00.000-05:00

Bayshore Woods

Reminder: Set Your Clocks Back One Hour This Sunday!

2011-11-02T15:23:00.001-05:00

U.S. clocks move back one hour early Sunday, November 6, 2011 as daylight-saving time ends across most of the nation.

The change to standard time occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday in each time zone.

Americans change their clocks twice a year, back one hour in the fall and forward one hour in the spring. Daylight savings time resumes on March 11, 2012.

Halloween "in the neighborhood"

2011-11-01T08:20:00.000-05:00

Last night we had a block party with the neighbors, potluck style. Here's what I made:

"Pumpkin" pizza with cheddar cheese

Mouths and Spiders

Mouths made from apple and slivered almonds; spiders made from Babybel cheese, pretzels and dried currants

Eyeball pizza made with mozzarella, cheddar, and mini pepperonis

Also, we hung a sheet in front of our garage and had Ghostbusters playing - fun!

Breakfast Farrotto with Apples

2011-10-29T17:27:00.001-05:00

1 cup apple cider

4 cups water

2 bags of herbal apple cinnamon tea

1/4 cup white wine

2 Tablespoons butter

1 cup farro

2 small apples, unpeeled, diced

dash ground cinnamon

maple syrup for sweetening, as desired

In a small pot, brew tea and add apple cider. Keep warm but turn the heat down to low.

In a large saute pan, melt the butter. Add the farro and saute for a few minutes at medium heat until each grain glistens. Add the wine, stir and then let the liquid cook down. Using a ladel, add one cup of the apple liquid to the farro. Even out the grains and allow the liquid to cook down completely. Repeat until the liquid is completely incorporated and the grains are soft. Add apples and cinnamon, stirring them in until everything is hot. Add maple syrup to sweetened if you like. Serves two.

Farro with 1 cup of liquid

Top: Apple liquid; Bottom: farro with liquid cooked down.

Two small apples

Farro with apples and cinnamon

Ta da!

Belly Ache Trick or Treat Bag

2011-10-27T12:27:00.001-05:00

Belly Ache Trick or Treat Bag, a photo by dhmspector on Flickr.

Getting ready for Halloween

2011-10-25T10:29:00.000-05:00

Today is the day I meet my new kitty

2011-10-21T12:11:00.001-05:00

Baby bib

2011-10-20T20:35:00.001-05:00

West End Farmers Market

2011-10-18T21:59:00.000-05:00

Cruise in the Caribbean on the Disney Magic

2011-10-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

Max and I just got back from a 7 day cruise. We had such a good time! The ship left from Port Canaveral and went to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay (Disney's private island). St. Maarten was a little grungy so I probably wouldn't choose to go back there - or would just stick to the beach by the boat if I did. Bought a pair of earrings with larimar, the Caribbean gem.

St. Thomas was much nicer! Plus the ability to use my cellphone and go to the U.S. post office really nice. We went on the Captain Nautica's Ultimate Snorkeling Expedition to Buck's Island. Got to see some turtles eating sea grass and then going up for air, sea urchins, a sea fan, fire coral, brain coral, and a conch walking around on the ocean floor.

Castaway Cay was my favorite stop. As Disney's private island, everything on it was theirs. From the ship, we walked to Serenity Beach (for adults only) and explored the shore looking for shells. Max found a conch shell and it was completely intact! For lunch there was a BBQ. In the afternoon, Max sat on the beach reading his book and I went snorkeling again.

Service on the ship was top-notch. Loved our assistant server, Michelle (from New Zealand), and our stateroom hostess, Nicol (from Slovakia). Tea (from Switzerland), the acupuncturist at the Vista Spa really impressed me with her professionalism and I felt very comfortable with her. In general, all the cast members were great... friendly, smiling and helpful. And that's why we love Disney so much.

The food on the ship was fantastic - and not too much. All the seated dinners had very reasonable portions and we never left the table feeling stuffed. Or hungry.

Beautiful bread display at Parrot Cay welcome lunch buffet

Cove Cafe treats

Blue cheese souffle with parmesan crisp

Beef Wellington

Cheesecake

Pineapple filled muffin

Tuna Tartare

Brulee Cheesecake

Grilled pineapple and banana in coconut

Shrimp, scallops with spaghetti in a creamy tomato sauce

Mushroom risotto

Wild mushroom soup - Best Dish Award

Chocolate molten cake with vanilla ice cream

Celebration cake

Apple crumble

And there was so much to do onboard! The live musical shows were good - and two of them were really great (Dreams and Twice Charmed). We went to a great presentation about animation by the VP of Production at DisneyToon, Sean Lurie. An adults-only swimming pool and coffee house. Comedy shows with magic and juggling. We watched three movies in the Disney Theater: The Help, Cars 2, and Real Steel. Also watched Hop in our stateroom. Plus there were tons of character meet and greets.

If you're looking into going on a cruise, whether you have children or not, I highly recommend that you go on the Disney Cruise Line!

Kitty, soon you will be mine

2011-10-05T15:15:00.001-05:00

Putting up

2011-09-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

Tomatoes! Picked up a large bag of tomatoes at the West End Farmers Market and diced them. They are now all in my chest freezer for when I decide to make chili this winter.

My Memories giveaway

2011-09-27T10:15:00.000-05:00

I was recently contacted by My Memories asking if I was interested in doing a giveaway on my blog. Of course I am!

The software allows you to make scrapbook layouts, photo books, cards, videos, you name it! Visit their site www.MyMemories.com, blog, Facebook page, YouTube page, or Twitter feed to check them out. To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment telling me what you think. Simple!

Winner will be chosen randomly on Tuesday, October 25 - just in time for Halloween! [cue spooky music]

Thumb sucker

2011-09-26T20:35:00.001-05:00

Bayshore Woods: A BABY'S CRIB - FINAL

2011-09-26T11:17:00.000-05:00

My Dad made a crib for my niece Chloe and it's beautiful!

Bayshore Woods: A BABY'S CRIB - FINAL: It seemed like such a long journey to get to the point where all the parts of the crib were completed. Although it took a tremendous amount ...

Look at that cute face!

2011-09-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

Love my niece Chloe! She's getting bigger, smiling, blowing bubbles... and starting to suck her thumb. Any advice on how to get her to stop for my sister?

The West End Farmers Market invites you to the Halloween Costume Contest (Oct 31, 2011)

2011-09-15T18:04:00.004-05:00

Hello! You are invited to the following event: Halloween Costume Contest at the West End Farmers Market Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
	Oct 31, 2011 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM West End Farmers Market Ben Brenman Park Alexandria, VA 22304 View Map

Wear your best costume to the Farmers Market - kids, pets and adults! Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:
1) Best farmer costume
2) Best fruit costume
3) Best vegetable costume
4) Best use of recycled materials
5) Best family costume
6) Best pet costume
Read More

Share this event on Facebook and Twitter

This email was sent by Eventbrite. Anyone can use Eventbrite to spread the word, collect money, and track RSVPs for an event. you can too

Cuisinart Food Processor

2011-09-15T12:15:00.000-05:00

Having grown up using my Mom's Cuisinart food processor, I've always wanted one myself. And although that's what I put on my wedding registry oh so many moons ago, I got something else instead.*

It has been fine all these years but still I've been waiting patiently for the day when I could buy a Cuisinart food processor. The time is now! There are two that I'm looking at:

DFP-14BCN features:

14-Cup Work Bowl with Handle
Work Bowl Cover with Extra Large Feed Tube
Large Pusher and Sleeve Assembly
Small Feed Tube and Pusher
Stainless Steel Standard Slicing Disc (4mm) and Medium Shredding Disc
Stainless Steel Chopping/Mixing Blade and Dough Blade
Detachable Disc Stem
Spatula
Full 5-year Motor Warranty
Limited 3-year Warranty on Entire Unit

DLC-10S features

7-cup Lexan® work bowl
Extra-large feed tube holds whole fruits and vegetables
Powerful enough to knead bread dough with ease
Additional accessories included for even more versatility
Stainless steel medium slicing disc (4 mm)
Stainless steel shredding disc
Chopping/mixing blade
Dough blade
Small and large pushers
Detachable disc stem
Compact flat cover
Spatula
Full 5-year motor warranty
Limited 3-year warranty on entire unit

Which one would you get and why?

*If someone takes the time to put together a registry, shouldn't you assume that the items on it are the ones that they really want? Specifically?

Trash the dress

2011-09-14T11:46:00.000-05:00

I have this fascination with "Trash the Dress" photos. So many of them are specifically for wedding dresses but it doesn't have to be that way! What if (for example) you have a gorgeous gala dress with a cigarette burn in a really obvious spot? You'll never wear it again and having it sit in your closet is a waste of space. Trash the Dress would be an awesome way to let go of it!

What do you think? Would you do it?

Public parks are endangered

2011-09-13T10:49:00.000-05:00

Due to budget crises at every level of government, public parks are at serious risk of deferred maintenance, commercial exploitation or permanent shutdown. But who really wants that kind of “savings”?

In fact, the benefits that parks produce far outweigh their costs. And yet, parks are typically the first and easiest target of budget cutters. A single park can cause a ripple effect throughout the community. An ill-maintained park becomes vulnerable to vandalism and crime. A playground covered in graffiti invites more and so does a field scattered with trash. Reduced property values are the inevitable results.

I say that's wrong and it needs to stop. Our parks represent the best of our community and they must be protected.

Orange cotton scarf

2011-09-11T19:34:00.000-05:00

My first new knitting project in ages! The soft cotton is a pleasure to work with and the linen stitch makes the project easy. Who care if the air conditioning is still on?

3 months

2011-09-09T20:13:00.001-05:00

My niece Chloe is 3 months old!

DC Taxicab Commission response to complaint

2011-09-09T12:02:00.000-05:00

On September 5, I took a taxicab from DC to Alexandria. When I got in the car, it was SO obvious that the driver had been smoking. I had to keep the windows rolled down the entire ride. I sent in this to the DC Taxicab Commission via email:

Taxi clearly smelled like smoke when I got in. No smoking sign on the window.

Four days later I got this response:

DCMR title 31 section 807.1 prohibits smoking in District licensed taxicabs while transporting passengers in the District. Since the car only smelled like smoke and the driver was not actually smoking while a passenger was in the car there is no violation that he can be charged with.

Is it just me, or is this totally lame?? Can you say letter of the law much?? If you think so too, feel free to send an email to Renee Hevor of DCTC at renee.hevor@dc.gov and let them know what you think.

Intercontinental Ballistic Microfinance

2011-09-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

What happens when 620,000 lenders fund 615,000 entrepreneurs, students, and other microfinance borrowers around the world? Prepare to be WOWED!

Intercontinental Ballistic Microfinance from Kiva Microfunds on Vimeo.

Five+ years of Kiva loan activity, in full color. Thanks to all the lenders, borrowers, partners, and team members who brightened this map - and helped to change lives in the process.

Farmers Markets in Virginia

2011-09-06T10:58:00.001-05:00

Did you know that the state of Virginia has been losing more than 30 acres of farmland per day? You have the power to help save our farms and farmland.

Labor Day in NYC

2011-09-05T07:57:00.002-05:00

Took the train up on Friday morning. We went for a walk in Hoboken and saw Carlos' Bakery from Cake Boss. There was a line to get in - I think people were probably waiting for 45 minutes. We decided to pass. But I did take a picture of the store front. For dinner, we had pizza.

Saturday we had lunch at Friend of a Farmer and then went to the Union Square Farmers Market. It's so huge and sells everything! We bought some heirloom tomatoes, corn on the cob, lemon cucumbers, cheese, a baguette, a bottle of wine, and a chocolate mint plant. After a nap, we went to see The Weepies in concert at Irving Plaza. I had such a great time! Their music is so relaxing and feel good.

On Sunday, we walked around the city and did some window shopping. Went to Blooming Nails to get a mani-pedi. Max opted for an extra long leg massage instead of getting a manicure - and then fell asleep! :) In the afternoon I went with a friend to Yi Pak Spa. It's a Korean spa - a totally new experience for me! It included a 10 minutes in the steam room (at 102 degrees), a REALLY VIGOROUS full body scrub (thought my tan was going to come off but actually didn't), a full body massage, a facial, shampooing for hair, a milk bath rinse, and a time in the sauna to dry off. I'm pretty sure we were there for about 2 hours. For dinner we had Korean BBQ at Muk Eun Ji. Since it was still early, we went to Chinatown to get moon cakes.

Chloe via Skype

2011-08-28T09:01:00.001-05:00

A better way butter your bagel

2011-08-25T08:16:00.001-05:00

Get a stick of butter and scrape across a toasted bagel. No knife to make gouging holes in your perfected toasted bagel!

West End Farmers Market in Alexandria, Virginia

2011-08-15T16:11:00.002-05:00

West End Farmers' Market on Real Time Farms

Chloe at 2 montha

2011-08-13T18:37:00.001-05:00

Weighing in at 11lbs, 7oz.

Love my little niece! She's such a cutie.

West End Farmers’ Market (Alexandria) - Adult entry

2011-08-13T11:09:00.001-05:00

West End Farmers’ Market (Alexandria) - Adult entry, a photo by Virginia Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services on Flickr.

I submitted this photo for the 2011 Virginia Farmers’ Market Photo Contest

About.me

2011-08-12T19:57:00.002-05:00

Sign up for an @aboutdotme page today and receive a free pack of @aboutdotme business cards from MOO #imabzzagent http://u.bzz.com/b2wad

Happiness

2011-08-08T17:50:00.000-05:00

I wrote this post Happiness for Paper to Pearls.

Meeting my niece

2011-08-08T15:15:00.001-05:00

West End Farmer's Market

2011-08-04T10:08:00.003-05:00

Wonder what goes on before the market opens? Here's a peek into the setup that started at 7 a.m.

Currently reading

2011-07-12T09:03:00.000-05:00

I won an author signed copy of Fair Food by Oran Hesterman from Real Time Farms recently and I retrieved it from my mailbox over the weekend.

Really "digging" it so far! (Pun TOTALLY intended.) It's the next step to take after you've read Fast Food Nation and The Omnivore's Dilemma. And ties in really well with all the work I've been doing with the West End Farmers Market, focussing on local, seasonal produce, living a healthy lifestyle, appreciating the homemade, handmade and DIY.

According to the Fair Food website:

Dr. Hesterman’s menu for change offers the reader questions to ask at farmers’ markets, tools for starting buy-fresh/buy-local campaigns; advice for forming buyer’s clubs that purchase food directly from farmers and fishermen, and guidance about the legislation to support at the local, state, and federal levels. The time for systemic, practical, and widespread action is at hand, and FAIR FOOD is the ideal resource and guide for readers who want to be a part of the fair food revolution.

Midnight in Paris

2011-07-11T20:57:00.000-05:00

Just went to the movies with a friend to see Midnight in Paris. It was wonderful. The scenery, the music, the language... all so Paris. Can't believe it's been almost 9 years since Max and I were there. Keep wishing we would go back, tonight more than ever!

So many writers and artists from the 20s came to life... the Fitzgeralds, Ernest Hemingway, Picasso, Dali, T.S. Eliot - along with the costumes and scenes of that time - it was exciting!

Owen Wilson was funny but still believable. And I love how they point out (again and again) that though people are never happy in the present, the past is no more creative, easy or perfect than the present.

I'm not really a fan of Woody Allen so this is EASILY my favorite of all his movies. Watch it for yourself and let me know what you think.

One of my most favorite summer foods

2011-07-05T17:14:00.001-05:00

War Dance

2011-07-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

A movie about a group of school children from Northern Uganda who competed at a National Music and Dance Competition in Kampala. Although I was expecting it to be sad, and it was in parts, it was actually quite joyful - showing how these children from a war zone could be more... that music and dance were an opportunity to be great.

The music and dance was great. I love all the big smiles and the bright teeth!

If you want to watch it, War Dance is available on Amazon. It's free for Amazon Prime members. Only $2.99 to rent.

One splash page to rule them all

2011-07-02T12:17:00.001-05:00

At least, that's what it seems like to me. A place where you can list all the places you're listed. Scan this QR code with your QR Reader to see mine:

p.s. I'm a BzzAgent

One day in the life of Virginia's libraries

2011-06-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

Read my blog in Google Reader!

2011-06-13T08:42:00.000-05:00

Do you have a Gmail account? Are you using your Reader?

Google Reader allows you to subscribe to my blog using the RSS feed. You can easily share individual blog posts with others by simply emailing the post to them right from Google Reader!

Adding our RSS feed is easy. Here's a step-by-step how-to:

Log into your Gmail account
At the very top left of the page, there are several links. "Reader" is the fifth one. When you click on that, you will be taken to your Google Reader.
At the top left, three rows down, there is a button "Add a subscription." When you click on this, a box will open asking you to "Enter a search term to find feeds or paste a feed url."
Copy in our feed url: http://knerq.blogspot.com/atom.xml

"Knerq" should now show up in the left column. When you click on that link, the blog posts should appear on the right and you can read them from there!

At the bottom of each post there are several links. The fifth one is "Email." When you click on that, an email message opens up with the entire blog post in the body of your email. From here, you can share it with anyone!

I'm an aunt!

2011-06-09T10:56:00.001-05:00

My niece was born today, weighing in at 6.6lbs. Please welcome Chloe Madeline Toste!

Your wife is hot

2011-06-07T07:57:00.000-05:00

My day lilies

2011-06-03T15:34:00.000-05:00

Vote for the West End Farmers Market

2011-06-03T07:44:00.000-05:00

Utah sky

2011-05-28T08:41:00.002-05:00

Last week I was in Kansas. This week, Utah.

I spent the week at the Salt Palace (convention center) mostly on business but yesterday I was able to go out to see the Great Salt Lake with a friend of mine from high school who lives in town. It was very peaceful and the snowcapped mountains made it very beautiful, especially when the tips were touched by sunlight. We got into the lake for a bit and saw that there were tons of brine shrimp (sea monkeys) swimming around in the water. For dinner we went to a Himalayan restaurant - yummy! The picture above I took around 9pm as the sun was setting.

I'm about to head home and I can't wait! I miss Max and going two weeks without him is too much... talking on the phone and Skype are just not enough. I'm grateful for the long weekend that will still give us two full days of quality time.

Manhattan, Kansas

2011-05-26T10:04:00.000-05:00

I was in Manhattan, Kansas May 14-22 to help out with and be in my best friend's wedding. On Sunday, Kristina and Bruce took me out to the Konza Prairie Biological Station.

Oolite Limestone

All natural, sun-dried, organic buffalo chips

Bruce and Kristina between two different burn regions.

Native plants

99% Buffalo, 1% Bison (which I hear is pretty good)

As a docent-in-training, Kristina gave an excellent tour! I would definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Shellac nails!

2011-05-24T15:39:00.000-05:00

More from the Great Food Truck Race

2011-05-15T21:09:00.003-05:00

Ironically it was during our after dinner walk that we went to see the food trucks again, see what they were up to, what was on the menu, and how long the lines were. For me, specifically, I wanted dessert. Alas, there was none to be had.

Someone else's plate of food

Great Food Truck Race in Manhattan, Kansas

2011-05-15T17:09:00.000-05:00

Arrived in Manhattan, Kansas last night. After checking into my hotel, my bestfriend and her husband took me to where three of the food trucks were parked. The line for Korilla was long and moving slowly so we opted to try the other two instead. It was 10:30pm and the menus were shrinking fast as they ran out of ingredients.

From the Lime Truck I got a tempura swiss cake dusted with powdered sugar. Delicious!

Bruce ordered because he's the tallest.

Tempura Swiss Cakes

From Hodge Podge, I had a deep fried donut with syrup drizzled on top. Also good.

No pictures of the donuts because we ate them too fast!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:24:00.001-05:00

Founding Farmers in Washington, D.C.

2011-05-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

Last night Max and I had dinner with our friend Meryl at Founding Farmers in DC. It was our second time there - love that place! Food is SO GOOD and our waiter, Tim, was really great when it was crazy busy.

Maple glazed salmon on a plank with asparagus and cauliflower. Yum!

Chicken and waffles, chunky mashed potatoes and noodles. Carbalicious!

Winter cobbler with pears and dried cranberries - SO GOOD!

Strawberry basil sorbet. Very fragrant!

It's kitten season

2011-05-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

My name is SCORPIO.

I am a male, buff tabby Domestic Shorthair.

The shelter staff think I am about 4 months old.

I have been at the shelter since Apr 21, 2011.

For more information, call:
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at (703) 746-4774
Ask for information about animal ID number A041411

The Master

2011-05-04T09:30:00.001-05:00

As I've mentioned previously, my Dad likes to work with wood. He carves wood and is making my sister's entire nursery suite (cradle, crib, and changing table) for her baby due in June. He chronicles this on his blog that I helped him start, Bayshore Woods. I also helped him set up a shop on Etsy, also called Bayshore Woods. Last night I posted the first item for sale. The piece is called The Master.

Pay It Forward day

2011-04-28T01:44:00.006-05:00

Have seen the movie Pay It Forward? It's about a young boy who did 3 good deeds for others in need. In return, all that the child wanted was that they pass on the good deed to three other people and keep the cycle going. One good deed might not seem like much, but if everyone did something good for someone else, then the cycle of generosity and kindness can spark us to become better people.

Today, International Pay It Forward day, do a good deeds for someone else without asking for anything in return. Instead the recipient should be instructed to pay it forward to someone else in need. The difference we can make is phenomenal

Here’s some ideas:

At a drive through, pay for the car behind’s meal.You could do this at the train station, at a coffee shop – anywhere.
If it is raining, give your umbrella to someone who does not have one. (it might be worth taking a spare one with you
Visit an elderly neighbour’s house and ask them if they need to have anything they need repaired.
Donate some money to your favourite charity – perhaps collect some donation money from people at work.
Tell the manager of a restaurant how great your server was. This can happen in any store / business you visit. Aim at brightening someone else’s day
Top up other people’s parking metres to stop them getting a fine.
If you are washing your own car or mowing your own lawn, do the same for your next door neighbor
At your office, thank the “little people”. Everyone’s part is essential and no one’s job is purposeless. Thank the mail guy, the girl who cleans, or the door person.
Be a mentor for someone who needs some support.

Need more?

Making cheese at home from a kit

2011-04-27T05:05:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, Max and I made our own cheese. We used this kit: http://www.amazon.com/Roaring-Brook-Dairy-Mozzarella-Cheesemaking/dp/B003XLWTIO

Turned out well and it was fun!

Heating the milk. At 85, add citric acid. At 100, add rennet.

Draining the curds. A towel under the curds would have been helpful.

Trying to remove as much whey as possible.

After stretching the cheese

Cooling the cheese.

The money shot!

Sliced mozzarella

Added to the pesto pasta salad

Opening day of the West End Farmers Market is May 1, 2011

2011-04-26T09:49:00.000-05:00

May 1st marks the first day of the 2011 season of the West End Farmers Market! The market is open EVERY SUNDAY from 9am to 1pm.

Frida Salmoran will also be playing the acoustic guitar from 10 a.m. to Noon.

There will be face painting, balloon hats, and small treats for the kids. Please come out and support the West End Farmer's Market!

Who will be there?

The Dressed Up Nut: Small batch, gourmet nuts
On the Gourmet: VA grown and made gourmet condiments, foods, ice cream
Fresh Joseph: Fresh squeezed orange juice and scones
Pearl Teas
Tommy Tompkins: Cheese Store and more
Penn Farms: Vegetables and herbs
Normas Produce: Vegetables
Medina and Sons: Vegetables and herbs
Papa’s Orchard: Fruits
Billie’s Flowers: Fresh cut flowers
William’s Flavor Station
Lucia Stolberg: Gardener
OPK Foods: Homemade organic sausages and meats
Cavanna Pasta: Homemade Pasta and Sauces
Vera's Bakery: Sweet rolls, muffins, breads, cookies, pastries
Great Harvest Bread: Breads, rolls, muffins

Fresh herbs from my garden

2011-04-24T15:11:00.001-05:00

I'll be adding some to my pasta salad tonight!

My new favorite granola bar

2011-04-19T07:58:00.000-05:00

Recently I was challenged to keep a whole grain cereal bar on hand. Initially I bought a box of Peanut Peanut Butter Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars. They were definitely good for me - but they were kind of dry. Not something that I wanted to eat. Then I tried Cascadian Farm's fruit and nut chewy granola bar - I found a winner! They are tasty and chewy. And organic! The only thing that would make them more perfect is if they were a little bigger. :)

Currently reading

2011-04-10T02:26:00.001-05:00

Radio Shangri-La: What I learned in Bhutan. the Happiest Kingdom on Earth by Lisa Napoli. Just came out in February.

Read up to the end of chapter 2 before bed. Love it so far! And I feel like I can totally relate (not that I'm 40 or burned out or overwhelmed by regret... but I am looking for a way to recharge my life).

I'm fascinated by the idea of National Gross Happiness. Sounds like a wonderful way to live! Looking forward to learning more about Bhutan and their way of life.

Cherry Blossoms

2011-04-09T21:27:00.000-05:00

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

2011-04-06T12:23:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you just hit it out of the ballpark! This was a huge hit at today's potluck lunch. Using canned beans and canned corn makes the cooking go a lot faster!

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

• 1½ cups quinoa
• 1½ cups cooked black beans, rinsed if canned
• 1½ tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 1½ cups cooked corn, rinsed if canned
• ¾ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

For dressing
• 5 tablespoons lime juice, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
• 1¼ teaspoons ground cumin, or to taste
• 1/3 cup olive oil

In a bowl wash quinoa (in 4-5 changes cold water), rubbing grains and letting them settle before pouring off most of water, until water runs clear. Drain.
Using a rice cooker (or saucepan) of salted boiling water cook quinoa 10 minutes. Line the steamer basket with a fine kitchen towel and drain quinoa, saving the boiling water. Set steamer basked over the boiling water (quinoa should not touch water) and steam quinoa, covered, until fluffy and dry, about 10 minutes. Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and cool.
While quinoa is cooking, in a small bowl toss beans with red-wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
Once the quinoa is cool, add beans, corn, bell pepper, and parsley. Toss well.
For the dressing, whisk together lime juice, salt, chili power, cumin and oil in a small measuring cup.
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
Salad may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring salad to room temperature before serving.

Based on a recipe from Epicurious.

23rd Annual Potomac Watershed Clean-Up

2011-04-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

ASA is partnering with the Alice Ferguson Foundation again this year for the 23rd Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. We will be cleaning up the trash and recyclables along Hooffs Run, and gloves and trash bags will be provided. This volunteer event is open to everyone!

When: Saturday, April 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Where: ASA, 1500 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314

RVSP

Bucket List

2011-04-05T03:52:00.002-05:00

I have often wondered about this but only today actually looked to see if there was any research into the matter. I found this article:

Why Time Goes Faster as You Get Older by Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D.

The article itself proposes that it's all about new experiences. Additional comments point to savoring the moment. (And then something science-y about your brain hardening which may be true but I cannot speak to that.)

If it is about new experiences (which studies have also linked to increased happiness and a better marriage), that's something I can affect. To that end, here's some things that I have never done but would like to do (in no particular order):

get a tattoo
take a trip to Italy
go up in a hot air balloon
learn Spanish
take a trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland
ride on a helicopter
go to Antarctica
see the Northern lights up close
try indoor rock climbing
learn how to golf
go horseback riding
take a trip to Australia, see the Great Barrier Reef
see the pyramids in Egypt
see a moose in real life
take a trip to Moscow
take a trip to Tibet
see the New England Patriots play at Foxboro Stadium
go to the top of the Statute of Liberty
go to the top of the Washington Monument
ride on a motorcycle
travel to New Zealand, see the hobbit houses
go to Universal Studios in Florida to see Hogwarts
watch a meteor shower
take a trip to Japan
attend a gala
learn how to belly dance
take a trip to Hawaii
ride on the Orient Express
go on a cruise
learn how to surf
take a trip to Kenya, go on a safari
take a trip to Morocco
ride a segway
get my teeth straightened
be an extra in a movie
see the wild horses in Carova
visit an Amish farm
ride in a stretch limo
spend Canada Day on Parliament Hill
help my Dad sell one of his wood carvings on Etsy
walk on a glacier
get a palm reading
get a tarot card reading
go to a maple syrup farm when the trees are tapped in the spring
make my own cheese

I just wish that so many of these things didn't cost so much - time and money. Just joined Bucketlist to keep track of all of this - and probably add more!

Increasing Engagement through Video Story Problems Teaching Idea

2011-03-29T07:56:00.000-05:00

My friend Ben Rimes has a great idea:

Increasing Engagement through Video Story Problems Teaching Idea

Description

Increasing engagement with real world problems is a lot easier if you bring the real world into the classroom. In collaboration with another teacher, I've created several math and science related video story problems for teachers to use when introducing a concept, or looking for a way to give students a more real world example than what's printed in the text book. From exploding jars of applesauce to calculating distance, problems related to content area are shared via Vimeo.

Education Level(s)

Pre-K/Kindergarten, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12

Subject(s)

Math & Science, Student Engagement & Development, Technology & Innovation

Learning Objectives

Students will be solve authentic problems, complete with distracting data and information that have to be carefully separated from the pertinent information. Both conceptual and procedural problems will be presented to the students in the areas of science and math. Students will view video story problems that take place around their school, community, in addition to problems from other schools and scenarios in order to make connections between school and real world problem solving.

Materials

Handheld camcorders, cell phones, and webcams will be used to capture video for the story problems, with iMovie, Movie Maker, and other movie making tools being used to produce the story problems. Vimeo.com will be used to host the videos for easy sharing and embedding of videos between school buildings and school districts.

Other Information

There are a few example videos already hosted on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/album/1545575). The quality of the videos changes from movie to movie, as the quality of the camera I have available to me is never a constant. Having a camera that could be dedicates to the project would be helpful. Vimeo is the choice for hosting the videos as it's easier to get schools to unblock it than YouTube. Getting a premium Vimeo account would mean the videos could upgraded to play on Apple mobile devices too.

PLEASE VOTE FOR BEN!

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

2011-03-28T13:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to the volunteer orientation for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. There was a group of about 15 people. Not only did we learn about what they do, how they do it and why, we also got a tour of the facility. I filled out the application and hope to help out in whatever capacity they need me. If you would like to do the same, they have the application available online. And for those of you thinking about adopting a pet, they have cats, dogs, rabbits, turtles, guinea pigs, hamsters, and sometimes even birds! Here's a look at some of the animals that were up for adoption yesterday:

Lots of kitties available

This guy just had surgery. He was so friendly!

What a cute little guy! I definitely see the appeal - he would totally fit in my purse!

This guy just came in from running around outside.

Bunny!

And if you're considering adoption, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has a "Sweet Sixteen" promotion running right now. There are 16 pets that can be adopted for just $16! Check out the photos on their Facebook page.

Help support outdoor seating for Food Matters

2011-03-21T09:18:00.000-05:00

In 1996, Greenvest L.C. purchased Cameron Station in Alexandria, Virgina. The mixed-used residential plan consists of 2,510 units including single family, townhome and multi-family dwellings with first level retail space.

Food Matters is located in a building run by the Cameron Station Condo Association but pays rent to Main Street, LLC. According to the Main Street Board President of the Condo Board, Steve Maquire, Greenvest was the one that setup the Main Street, LLC. Which seems a little convoluted to me but I guess that's not unusual for commercial real estate.Under the current terms, the condo association is liable if anything bad happens, not Greenvest, and so this spring the condo association decided to restrict the restaurant's use of outdoor seating.

As a long time Alexandria resident, I am strongly in favor of having outdoor seating at Food Matters. In fact, I would love to see the seating expanded! Part of what makes the community of Cameron Station so great is the gathering of people throughout the neighborhood. It enhances the entire neighborhood and makes it a really great place. Food Matters provides a meeting place so popular that when Max and I went there for dinner this weekend, we had to wait to be seated because all the tables were occupied. Even the barstools were full. And it was a shame that the outdoor seating was not in place - it was the perfect night for it.

If you are in support of the outdoor seating please politely express your opinion to Main Street Board President of the Condo Board, Steve Maquire.

Playa Flamingo a la Sunrise Earth

2011-03-17T19:13:00.003-05:00

Costa Rica

2011-03-15T22:05:00.000-05:00

Went to Costa Rica for the weekend with a bunch of friends. We had SUCH a good time. Delays coming back, plane didn't get in until after midnight. Luckily I took today off of work!

West End Farmers Market

2011-03-08T19:21:00.000-05:00

Last week was less than stellar and this week seems like it is going to be very busy, so I'm just trying to make it to Friday. That's the not so good news.

The good news is that the website I designed for the West End Farmers Market went live today! I've been working on the marketing since January and this morning when I saw the site for the first time was so exciting!

Take a look and let me know what you think.

p.s. Opening day is May 1

Beer

2011-02-27T08:17:00.001-05:00

I've never liked beer... until I tried Lindemans Framboise Lambic IPA. And now I know why!

The Lambic brewer uses old dry hop. He doesn't want the bitterness of the fresh hop, but the conservation property of the dried hop. The lager brewer uses young hop, which has that typical bitter taste.

So if you're like me and have always just assumed that you don't like beer at all, try something that uses old, dried hops - you might change your mind!

Busy weekend

2011-02-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

Max and I spent the weekend in New York with his brother Marvin and Marvin's girlfriend, Helen. Went to the Natural History Museum, the Guggenheim, and the Metropolitan Museum. Also had lunch with Aunt Rosy and Uncle John in Queens.

Max at the Met

Manhattan Skyline

Lunch with Uncle John and Aunt Rosy

Max waiting for the subway

Guggenheim Museum

Not too much snow, just enough to be pretty!

Knock, knock

2011-02-16T22:28:00.000-05:00

As with most things in our house, it usually takes awhile for Max and I to agree on something we both like. Which is why, when we had our front door repainted and the old hardware removed, it was no simple feat to find a suitable replacement. I found this door knocker on Etsy and we both loved it immediately:

Check out FourRDesigns on Etsy for more of her work!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:20:00.000-05:00

Max and I celebrated yesterday. First with some goodies from Sephora!

For dinner we went to Willow. Delicious!

Margarita flatbread with pepperoni, to share

Max's Flounder

Veal two ways

Strawberry shortcake layer cake

Chocolate covered strawberries and sugar cookies

Imagine my surprise!

2011-02-13T09:15:00.001-05:00

Yelp reviews

2011-02-08T15:55:00.002-05:00

Recent reviews by Nicole G.

What's this?

Laugh out hunger

2011-02-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

Buy tickets online

Parking update

2011-02-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

I backed in for the first time today! Why? Because the parking garage was pretty much empty. Seemed like a good opportunity. Took me a few tries and a little time but I think you'll agree, I did good.

Driving update

2011-01-28T11:01:00.002-05:00

This might seem minor but I brought the car in for service for the first time today. And it wasn't as big a deal as I thought it would be - so yay!

Grove Bamboo

2011-01-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

I was looking for a customizable phone case for Max. In the process, I found Grove Bamboo. They make amazing works of art!

Here's what they can do:

Kelley Cares 5K Run/Walk

2011-01-21T21:40:00.000-05:00

One of my coworkers is part of the Kelley Cares Foundation, which was formed to make people aware of the need for inclusion regardless of ability and provide awareness to the community about those with special needs.

The Kelley Cares 5K Run/Walk race was created to honor Kelley Swanson, a bright young star in the Alexandria community who is no longer with us, benefiting The Therapeutic Recreation Section of Alexandria.

When: Saturday, April 16, 2011, 8:00am
Where: George Washington Middle School 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301
Cost:

$30 Adults
$15 Children (6 - 12 years old)
FREE (5 years and under)

T-Shirt included in registration fee

Registration forms online at: www.kelleycares.org